English has become the most widely spoken language worldwide, accounting for 1.5 billion speakers. In an increasingly globalised world where people are learning English as a second language, we have become more connected. Many people from all over the world are now using English as a primary means of communication and connection. Here are some great ways you can incorporate more activities into your daily routine as an international student and improve your English fluency. 

University Resources

Many universities offer you to participate in intensive English language programmes and sessions and you can learn more by asking your relevant university’s department to see if there are English classes you can take during your academic studies. Some universities also offer pre-sessional courses before the start of a course which are designed for students who do not meet English requirements or for those who want to familiarise themselves with studying at university in English before starting their course – in turn, these pre-sessional programmes can help increase all students English fluency both socially and academically. 

Everyday Reading and Writing 

Making efforts to read books, including past books you have read in your native language, will help increase your English and reading skills. You will also be able to enrich your vocabulary, pick up on grammar use and make sense of how sentences are structured. The British Council also offers great free online resources for all ages, more of which can be found here. Journaling is also another great way to improve your writing skills and learn how to expand your sentences. You can also use a dictionary to broaden up your word use for thoughts and ideas!

Recreational Activities 

Listening to radio stations, music and podcasts support your listening skills. Joining clubs or societies also offer a great chance for you to speak and communicate with other people, socialise frequently and become acquainted with others, hence increasing your English language skills.

From documentaries to films and television shows, the same goes for watching television as a learning tool – follow a tv programme along in your own language with English subtitles, this in turn allows you to translate the script and help make sense of the language in your head. Watching television also helps you pickup common English slangs and phrases, which will increase your vocabulary. 

Whether you’re an international student or it’s your first time studying abroad, moving to a new country can feel exciting but sometimes intimidating. There is a lot to consider when moving and it’s important to address issues like funding, visas, accommodation as well as other key subjects when making your transition. In this article, we explain the most important things you need to know before moving to the UK.

• Visas: Visas mark the beginning of your journey and it’s important that you apply for a student visa, depending on the country you’re arriving from. 

• Student accommodation: Campuses will often provide students with accommodation, especially for first-year students at the beginning of university. While on-campus accommodation can be quite reliable for everyday access, it is also important to consider other nearby housing options. The UK has many and it’s a good idea to explore your options to rent a room or flat from a private landlord before making your big move. Some students will also be happy to share with you their experiences of student accommodation, so make sure you do your research to choose the right place for you.

• Bank accounts: There are a wide variety of bank accounts that are available for international students in the UK. It’s worth considering different student bank account suppliers and researching your overall options. You may also want to consider budgeting, overdraft limits and your credit score before applying for an account.

• Oyster cards and public transportation: An oyster card will make your overall travelling journeys a much easier process. If you plan on moving to London, make sure you buy an oyster card – it can be used to access public transport, including the tube and bus and this will make travelling much more convenient and a less expensive option. You can also register for a young person railcard which will give you ⅓ off all rail travel too.

• International calls: Consider investing in a prepaid sim card. These pay-as-you-go cards allow you to flexibly add credit and make international calls easily. You can top up each time and make phone calls without a contract. Options to upgrade later are also available and you can do so if required. 

• Register with a GP: When you arrive in the UK, you should make it a priority to register with a nearby GP. All international students who hold a visa are eligible and will be able to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) through a health surcharge while making their visa applications, prior to arriving.

Moving thousands of miles away from your family and friends to a completely different country can seem daunting, not to mention a major life and cultural transition. You may be communicating in a different language that you’re not used to, facing cultural barriers or it may be that moving away for the first time from your family home has you struggling with homesickness. Adjusting to change and becoming independent in a new country are just some of the things you will likely experience when moving to university – here are tips on overcoming potential barriers, stepping out of your comfort zone and adjusting to university life. 

• Expect to be nervous – humans are hardwired to hate uncertainty and everyone who is entering university is probably feeling as nervous as you! It’s completely normal to feel anxious – know you are not alone. Be yourself, relax and take the time to embrace the first few weeks. Attending the welcome and induction week will allow you to be exposed to other international students and obtain the opportunity to further immerse yourself to campus events, activities, societies and clubs

• Take time to explore your surroundings. Navigate through your campus and get used to walking around and remembering different buildings. Study your university map and walk around campus and take the time to navigate through libraries, classrooms, dining halls, etc. 

• Organise your timetable – take the time to understand your timetable and start planning your tasks and what your daily schedule will look like. Plan ahead and manage your time. Know and write down your priorities. Make to-do lists and structure your day – this will help you tackle a work-life balance and allow you to make more time for recreational activities and do more of what you love

• Overcoming homesickness to help you adapt faster and better. Settling into a different country, adapting to other cultures and adjusting to university life, in general, can cause you to feel homesick. This is where your self-care comes into place. Keep in touch with family and friends through Skype, regular calls or the internet. Make connections with your Student Union and establish a routine to keep busy. Joining societies is also a great way to meet other students and some groups will have societies for those from different countries e.g. Middle Eastern Society, Polish Society, Turkish Society, etc.

• Take care of your mental and physical health, too. Making sure you’re eating a balanced and varied diet is also a crucial part of your overall health being. You are what you eat so relying too much on junk food will not only affect your overall health but also the ability to concentrate and learn in class. You can try to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in your meals. Make a shopping list and take the time to cook more. Exercise more by joining a gym membership, a sport you enjoy or take regular walks outside the campus. Take regular breaks to support your mental health and wellbeing. Do activities you enjoy but maintain balance so you don’t overload yourself. De-clutter your living space which will increase your ability to focus more. Establish an evening routine by trying to sleep at the same time every day and set up a regular sleeping pattern